Former Missouri House clerk loses appeal in whistleblower lawuit

KMIZ on October 21, 2025

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri appeals court on Tuesday rejected a former Missouri House clerk’s claim that she was a whistleblower for misdeeds by the House speaker.

Judge Lisa White Hardwick with the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals wrote that Dana Miller did not sufficiently prove that former House Speaker Dean Plocher was her supervisor, or that he could retaliate against her. Miller filed the lawsuit last year, accusing Plocher of violating House regulations, mismanagement, waste of public funds, abuse of authority and other misdeeds.

Miller alleged that Plocher targeted her for retaliation after she reported his actions related to a state contract. The court noted that Plocher had no direct authority to fire Miller because only the full House could do so.

Dana Miller appeal decisionDownload

Miller’s allegations against Plocher sparked a months-long investigation that did not issue a finding of wrongdoing against Plocher. Miller retired last year.

Tuesday’s ruling upheld a Cole County judge’s order dismissing the lawsuit.

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ECPD investigates recent increase in vehicle thefts

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) is investigating a recent increase in vehicle thefts across the city, and are asking residents to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles.

ECPD says they are actively investigating the thefts and “have increase patrols in key areas.” However, ECPD says they recommend residents to “always lock their vehicles, remove keys and key fobs and never leave cars running unattended.”

They also said parking in well-lit areas or in secure locations, like a garage, can reduce the risk of theft.

In addition, ECPD asks residents to put valuable items in the trunk, glove compartment or take them inside their home so they are not left out in plain sight.

ECPD is also encouraging residents to make use of the following:

Install anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, alarms or vehicle tracking systems.

Use home security cameras or video doorbells to monitor driveways and parking areas.

Call ECPD at (760) 352-2111 to report of any suspicious activity.

Call 911 in case of an emergency.

“As we head into the holidays, we know many people will be out shopping, visiting family, or attending community events,” said Kelly Brown, Acting Chief of Police. “Criminals often take advantage of this busy time of year, so we’re asking everyone to remain vigilant and take these simple precautions to protect themselves and their property.”

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

Press Release – TheftsDownload

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Board provisionally approves regulating sales of Kratom-based products

KESQ on October 21, 2025

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today tentatively approved an ordinance intended to curb the use of synthetic pain-relieving products that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration may add to the nationwide list of controlled substances.   

The Riverside County Executive Office, following consultations with the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Department and other agencies, submitted a formal request for the board to consider implementing a set of regulations aimed at deterring sales and marketing of kratom derivatives, mainly to minors.  

“I had never heard of kratom before this came to us earlier this year,” county Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen told the board ahead of its unanimous vote. “Kratom is becoming more widely used. Is there an opportunity to act now before it becomes more widely abused? We’ve tried to identify the most dangerous aspect of this … `gateway drug.’ This is an opportunity to limit the exposure of folks to it.”

The main emphasis is on so-called “7-OH” products, which contain alkaloids produced using biosynthetic methods. The 7-OH derivatives are based on kratom leaf or kratom leaf extracts originating from a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, officials said. Their properties have pain-relieving influences similar to morphine and heroin.   

“The 7-OH concentrated synthetic products are often promoted as dietary supplements,” Sacramento-based California Narcotics Officers’ Association Legislative Advocate Ryan Sherman told the board. “These products come in various forms, like concentrated liquid extract, and can significantly increase adverse potential life-threatening effects, especially when 7-OH is combined with alcohol and sedatives. Unknown concentrations of these synthetics bear an increased risk of unintentional overdose. There is no approved medical use.”

In July, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration requested that the DEA formally review kratom derivatives and consider placing them on the federal list of controlled substances, which would result in stringent regulations. The DEA is still in the review stage.

“Highly concentrated and synthetic kratom-based products — marketed in the form of powders, capsules, gummies and `energy shots’ — have proliferated in the U.S,” the Executive Office said in a statement. “These products are commonly sold online, in smoke shops and at convenience stores, often with no quality control or labeling standards.”  

The state Legislature is in the process of sorting out possible statewide restrictions on 7-OH sales, after a similar proposal in the previous legislative session died in the state Senate. In the meantime, localities have taken regulatory steps of their own.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a measure in August, following related actions in the cities of Jurupa Valley, Newport Beach, Oceanside, San Diego and Solano Beach, all of which now have ordinances in place that prohibit some 7-OH marketing and sales.

The proposed Riverside County regulatory scheme, which requires a second public hearing in the next two weeks before it can be formally approved, would bar the sale of any kratom-based products that contain more than 2% of alkaloids to anyone under 21 years old. The county would further outlaw any marketing of the derivatives to youths via advertisements or brand packaging.   

Violations would result in potential misdemeanor criminal charges and fines.

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Health Department releases November open burning guidelines

News-Press NOW on October 21, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As November approaches, City officials are reminding residents to follow guidelines for open burning.

Open burning of dry yard waste is allowed within the city limits twice a year, during April and November.

Throughout those months, fires are only allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and must be in an upright container with a volume equal to no more than 55 gallons. A drum-sized container constructed of wire mesh is permissible.

No fire can be 15 feet from any building, and only one burn per container per residence is allowed.

All fires should contain yard-waste only, such as leaves, brush, sticks and logs, and must be monitored closely by a person capable of containing the fire.

Firefighting material, including a garden hose or a container of water, should be at the site of the fire.

As some households prepare for open burning, the St. Joseph Health Department shared that any Fire Department response to open burning calls will be treated as “non-emergency”, meaning no lights or sirens, unless the fire is threatening a structure.

Any violation of open burning restrictions may result in a summons to appear in court for a misdemeanor violation, according to the Health Department.

If weather conditions, such as high winds, indicate the safety of the community is endangered or may create a health hazard, the Fire Chief or Health Director may invoke a temporary burning ban.

The Health Department encourages residents to explore alternatives to open burning that don’t contribute to air pollution, are not dependent on time restrictions or the weather and provide a healthy benefit for physical activity while doing yard work.

Such activities include: mowing leaves into fine particles to fertilize the lawn or incorporating leaves into a mulch container to decompose into humus for use in vegetable and flower gardens or for use on lawns as soil amendment.

A larger wood brush that can be chipped can also be used as mulch around trees and shrubs.

If residents choose to burn, the Health Department suggests doing so within the open burning period, as the open burning session will not be extended due to weather blackout dates.

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Nampa man arrested on felony child exploitation charges after swift multi-agency investigation

KIFI on October 21, 2025

Seth Ratliff

CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Nampa man is now in custody, facing multiple felony charges related to the production and distribution of child pornography.

Tuesday, October 14, investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, along with officers from multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested 25-year-old Steven Vasquez of Nampa for alleged sexual exploitation of a child.

Details of the Investigation and Arrest

The multi-agency investigation began on Monday, October 13, as the Idaho ICAC Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The report, submitted by Snapchat, indicated “newly produced and/or homemade content,” suggesting recent hands-on sexual abuse of a child, according to Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office.

The ICAC Task Force worked swiftly to identify the child victim, working alongside investigators with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police, School Resource Officers from the Middleton Police Department, and the FBI. This coordinated effort and quick response led to Vasquez’s arrest the following day.

“Our ICAC investigators acted within 24 hours to stop alleged ongoing abuse and protect a child,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Swift action by our growing statewide network of law enforcement partners makes Idaho safer for children. We will continue working relentlessly with every agency committed to defending our most vulnerable from those who would exploit them.”

Charges and How to Report Child Exploitation

Vasquez was subsequently charged with 6 counts of production of child sexual exploitation material and 6 counts of distribution of child sexual exploitation material. His bond has been set at $2 million. Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is strongly encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678. 

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Scary & Safe Trick or Treat event to be held at Yuma County Fairgrounds

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Halloween event is planned to be held in Yuma.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD), along with Yuma County Fair Inc. and the City of Yuma, will be hosting the Scary & Safe Trick or Trick event at the Yuma County Fairgrounds.

The event will be on Halloween night from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

It’s a yearly tradition for local groups to give kids a safe trick or treating experience.

Entertainment will include a DJ, face painting, display vehicles and a movie played on a big screen. Food such as hot dogs will be available for purchase.

Admission is $1 per person.

All proceeds are going towards Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

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‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to headline Plaza Theatre’s opening night gala Monday

KESQ on October 21, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plaza Theatre is opening its doors in a wicked fashion. Emmy, Tony, and Grammy award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo will host the Opening Night Gala for the historic theatre, officials announced.

The Opening Night Gala will be held on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. 

“… this is a woman that could play gigantic, she could play stadiums at this point, and I think she was actually touched to be asked and so for us, we wanted somebody really exciting to open the Plaza, and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” J.R. Roberts, president of the Palm SpringsPlaza Theatre Foundation, told News Channel 3’s Peter Daut. “… this is a woman who is brilliant, talented, she represents diversity, she’s everything that we love in a star. And is there a bigger talent on the scene right now?”

Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster’s Ticket Request system. Requests will open Tuesday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. PST and close Monday, October 27 at 10:00 p.m. PST. There is a two-ticket limit per customer.

Each ticket includes a copy of Erivo’s upcoming book, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, along with a commemorative ticket and limited-edition poster created exclusively for the Opening Night Gala.  

Erivo’s one-night performance will feature Mark Meadows and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra. The event is sponsored by Richard Wood and Michael Blasingame. For more information, visit the Plaza Theatre’s website.

“Opening Night at the Plaza is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” says John Bolton, Senior Vice President, Oak View Group, and General Manager of the Plaza Theatre. “We’re honored to welcome Cynthia Erivo for this milestone performance; it’s the perfect way to begin a vibrant new chapter in the Plaza’s story.”  

The Plaza Theatre is one of Palm Springs’ oldest and most iconic venues but it has been closed since 2014. For several years now it has been in the process of being restored to its original splendor.

In August, News Channel 3’s John White got an exclusive look at the progress on the restoration and some of the improvements theatre goers will notice when they return to the historic theatre.

Cynthia Erivo is a Tony®, Grammy®, Emmy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award-nominated actor, singer, and producer who burst onto West End and Broadway stages in The Color Purple, winning the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical.

She recently starred as Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande in Universal’s record-breaking WICKED, which became the highest-grossing movie ever at the domestic box office based on a Broadway musical, earning her Golden Globe, SAG, Critics’ Choice, NAACP, BAFTA, and Academy Award nominations.

Erivo will reprise her role in WICKED: FOR GOOD (November 21, 2025) and is set to star in the film adaptation of Prima Facie, which she’ll also executive produce under her Edith’s Daughter production banner. Beyond acting, she’s a Grammy®-nominated songwriter and performer who has released two albums—Ch. 1 Vs. 1 (2021) and I Forgive You (2025)—and headlined venues including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Academy Awards. In 2026, she returns to the West End in Kip William’s one-woman theatrical extravaganza Dracula, playing 22 roles including Bram Stoker’s demonic vampire. 

The gala is being held a little over a week after the release of “Wicked: For Good,” the sequel to last year’s hit musical “Wicked.”

Erivo received a lot of praise and accolades for her performance in the first film, including the Creative Impact in Acting Award at Variety’s Creative Impact Awards during the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at Variety’s Creative Impact Awards(01/04/25)

It wasn’t Erivo’s first time being honored during the Palm Springs Film Festival. In 2019, she received the Breakthrough Performance Award for her performance in Harriet.

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CHP seek public’s help in locating vehicle involved in deadly hit-and-run

KESQ on October 21, 2025

City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities sought the public’s help in locating a driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash in Coachella earlier this month.

The crash occurred about 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 on Grapefruit Boulevard south of 54th Avenue, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Rafael Espinosa.

A man was found laying on the dirt shoulder of Grapefruit and was taken to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities identified the victim as Jorge Guillen, 50, of Coachella.

The suspect vehicle was described as a black GMC Terrain with damage on the front hood and grille area, with a license plate frame of “Los Angeles Chargers” and a license plate of “Carfax 1 Owner,” Espinosa said.   

The cause of the crash was ongoing, and anyone with additional information on the vehicle was asked to call 760-772-8911.

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How fall fashion shifts with the weather

News-Press NOW on October 21, 2025

Payton Counts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – Weather plays a big factor in what people choose to wear.

In the summer, tank tops and shorts are favored. Now, with fall-like temperatures coming into play, it’s time to switch out the closet with sweaters, jeans, long-sleeves and coats.

Beyond deciding what to wear based on temperature, seasonal fashion trends also play a major role in society, and they’re constantly evolving.

Fashion trends typically start with high-end designers or subcultures, then gain traction among influencers and early adopters. Once they are mainstream, they peak, fade and often return with a fresher look.

Seasonal changes are key drivers of what’s in and what’s not. As fall is settling in, shoppers are leaning into cozy clothes, denim and seasonal shades like brown, red and deep purple.

Vogue states that some of the top fall 2025 fashion trends include “Pop of Red,” “From the Neck Up,” “Monochrome Brown,” and “Modern Prep,” among others.

Some shoppers may not care about what the latest trend is, but want to find the best price.

Studies have shown, shopping behaviors also vary by generation. Gen Z (1997-2012) and millennials (1981-1996) favor online shopping, value quality and follow emerging trends. In contrast, Gen X (1965-1980) are more driven by discounts, loyalty programs and seasonal sales.

At Narrative Boutique, Owner Jenny Geheb said her business isn’t seeing much of an age gap.

“We try to have something for every single age. So oftentimes here at Narrative, we will see granddaughters, moms and grandmothers,” said Geheb.

So how does this local boutique stay in touch with latest styles? Rhonda Luster, who shops online and at other boutiques for Narrative, said one way she finds her inspiration is from social media influencers.

She’s also noticing fashion trends and certain materials making a comeback.

“For this year, suede is going to be really big for fall and winter, and those big fur coats they wore in the 70s,” said Luster.

Either way, no matter what style is preferred is, staying warm as winter approaches is the ultimate goal.

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Phil Welch stadium renovations ahead of schedule

News-Press NOW on October 21, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The ongoing renovations at Phil Welch Stadium are ahead of schedule, with the expectation of the project’s completion before the St. Joseph Mustangs kickoff their new season.

As previously reported, new seats and bleachers are being installed alongside layers of concrete.

Upon further inspection, it was found that the I-beams holding up the main walking area needed to be replaced. The webbing holding the beams together had rusted and eroded over time.

“With the I-beams, they have been there since the 1930s, when the stadium was built,” Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Atkins said. “(Since) they’re steel, Mother Nature is going to win that battle eventually. As they were removing the concrete sections of the bleacher seating areas, some of that rust and erosion was seen.”

Atkins also added that new concrete couldn’t simply be added to the beams, as the structural integrity may fail.

Construction is still expected to be finished before the Mustangs play for their 2026 season.

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